Breastfeeding Toddler

It’s interesting how we will hear that breastfeeding exclusively is recommended for the first six months of your baby’s life.  But what happens after this?  Or what about after your baby turns one, and is walking and running all over the place?  Is breastfeeding toddlers accepted in society?  Well, it depends where you live.  In some countries, it is normal to nurse children until they are four years of age or so.   However, some people don’t believe that children who can walk and speak are appropriate to be breastfed.  However, this post attempts to make you think about a few things that may make you realize that breastfeeding toddlers may be the best decision you make for your child and your situation.

In another post, I discussed extended breastfeeding past one year of age, and the benefits of doing this for mothers and children.  Continuing on from the points made in that post, because breastmilk is “smart,” it continues to change to meet the growing needs of your toddler, providing  exactly the right combinations  of fat, protein, etc.  And don’t forget that breastmilk has health benefits due to the antibodies that are present in it.  If you are a mom who works outside the home, but you continue to breastfeed your toddler, you are offering your child some of the best immune protection.  Strengthening and building your child’s immune system this way will result in less illnesses as they come in contact with other children at a daycare.  This is beneficial for the parents in that there is less time spent being up all night with a sick toddler, and then also having to miss work to be home with your child sick.

You may hear criticism that if you breastfeed a toddler, that you are not allowing your child to grow up and become more independent.  Well, people used to think (and some still do) that simply holding your newborn baby results in spoiling.  Conversely, studies clearly indicate that holding a baby demonstrates love and nurturing to your child early on, and fosters development of your child’s brain.  It is the same thing with nursing your toddler.  If you are concerned that it will make your child more dependent on you, studies indicate the opposite.  We often feel so pressured to have deadlines such as when our baby should be sleeping through the night, when our child should be potty trained, and when it is appropriate to stop nursing.  There are no clear-cut answers, but whatever you decide, it has to make sense for you and your child.  You will know what works for the two of you, so don’t let society’s perceptions influence you.

Breastfeeding a toddler can initiate some vastly-varied opinions.  A couple of things that are known for sure though is that it will enhance your child’s health, and it will foster security in your child as he/she begins exploring the world.  A great book I suggest you read is: Mothering Your Nursing Toddler